Repairing Door Lock (Houston, Howe: fit in, how much, Home Depot)

[marykate1]

Hi,

Today when I was about to lock the door of my house. I found that lock (small cylinder) thing just came out. I call my husband and he looked at it and found a very very very very thin wire in the lock. Is that possible break-in. Now, the door is not locking from the outside.

Any ideas how to fix it or how much a locksmith is going to cost to repair a lock?

[ShelbyGirl1]

I'm having locks replaced in a home we own in Fl. I wanted better locks with a keyed dead bolt. Doorknob locks are running about $35 with the matching upper keyed deadbolt $45....plus installation since hubby is not out there to do it.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by marykate1

Hi,

Today when I was about to lock the door of my house. I found that lock (small cylinder) thing just came out. I call my husband and he looked at it and found a very very very very thin wire in the lock. Is that possible break-in. Now, the door is not locking from the outside.

Any ideas how to fix it or how much a locksmith is going to cost to repair a lock?

If you can put batteries in a flashlight and own a screwdriver you are qualified to purchase a replacement and have the attendant at the key/lock desk at Lowe's/Home Depot/Berings/Ace re-key the lock to your existing keys. Not all keys fit in all locks, so you should try to get the same make and model as your existing locks.

Should cost around $50 if you have garden variety hardware.

I'm considering getting a blank-faced throw to install in addition to the existing security doorknob and deadbolt as an additional safety measure for times when I or my family are home.

[Svensk08]

Unless things have changed drastically in the past few months, keys cut at Houston area Lowe's/Home Depot stores often don't work.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by Svensk08

Unless things have changed drastically in the past few months, keys cut at Houston area Lowe's/Home Depot stores often don't work.

You're right about that. The automated key cutters do not seem to function as well as a semi-skilled human operator. I get my keys copied at Berings because there is still a human cutting keys with a template rather than that stupid automated machine.

However, any big box or hardware store should be able to rearrange the tumblers in any off-the-shelf lock for a minimal amount of money and time.